Inca Civilization
The Inca Civilization was the largest empire in pre-Columbian America, flourishing in the Andean region from the early 13th century to its conquest by the Spanish in the 16th century. Here are some key points:
- Origins and Expansion: The Inca Empire, also known as Tawantinsuyu, was established by Manco Cápac in the Cusco valley around 1200 CE. From its inception, the empire expanded rapidly through conquest, alliances, and incorporation of neighboring tribes.
- Government: The Inca had a highly centralized government with the Sapa Inca as the supreme ruler, considered divine by his subjects. The empire was divided into four Suyus, or regions, each governed by a Apu, with Cusco at the center.
- Society: The Inca society was structured in a hierarchical manner with the emperor at the top, followed by nobles, priests, and the general populace. They practiced a form of socialism where resources were redistributed to ensure everyone was provided for. This system was known as Mita.
- Agriculture: Agriculture was the backbone of the Inca economy. They developed sophisticated farming techniques like terrace farming and irrigation systems to grow crops at high altitudes. Key crops included potatoes, quinoa, and maize.
- Religion: The Inca had a complex pantheon of gods, with Inti, the sun god, being the most revered. Their religious practices included human and animal sacrifices, often during festivals or significant events like the Inti Raymi festival.
- Architecture and Engineering: The Inca are renowned for their architectural achievements, including the construction of Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuaman, and their extensive road network known as the Qhapaq Ñan. Their buildings were made without mortar, using precisely cut stones that fit together perfectly.
- Art and Culture: Inca art included ceramics, textiles, and metalwork, often adorned with symbolic motifs. They also had a unique way of recording information through Quipu, a system of knotted strings.
- Decline: The Inca Empire was at its peak when the Spanish arrived led by Francisco Pizarro in 1532. Internal strife, diseases brought by Europeans, and the capture and execution of the last Sapa Inca, Atahualpa, led to the rapid downfall of the empire.
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